Rotarian Somadina Izunna Okweluogu, PHF,inducts Dr Odogwu ,others ; honours Dr Ezeonu, others
The Pathfinder President, Rotarian Somadina Izunna Okwelogu, PHF has been installed as the nineteenth president of Rotary Club Of Awka GRA, District 9142.
The President of Rotary club of Awka GRA, Rotarian Izunna Okwelogu in his inaugural address at Olivia Montage hotel Awka , Anambra state informed that Rotary opens opportunity for people to live a richer, more meaningful life. He said it is the mission of Rotary members to advance and protect the club for generations to come.
Rotarian Okwelogu noted that they’re working seriously on some focal areas that will get Rotary to impact on various rural communities and pleaded for support to help Rotary club of Awka GRA carry out their humanitarian mission to Society.
He added that to actualize the seven focal areas of Rotary Intervention, the Rotary Club of Awka GRA has rolled out plans to embark on 10 humanitarian projects to improve the lives of people within its area of operation.
The humanitarian projects include erection of four way test billboards in public and private establishments, purchase of wheelchairs for polio survivors, skill acquisition training for Rotaractors, free medical outreach in chosen remote communities, visitation of elderly homes and prison inmates, as well as beautification of Rotary Club of Awka GRA round about.
Others include carrying out de-worming exercise among primary school children, organization of mega school essay competition and provision of toilet facilities in some rural markets, alongside contributing to the Rotary Foundation.
In his valedatory speech, the out-going president, Rotarian Fidel Okafor expressed gratitude to God for in spite of difficulties experienced early this year from COVID-19, they’re still doing humanitarian services, engaging in health out reach, assisting the indigents and other projects calling on members to rally round the new president to make his year a success.
While x-raying the four way test of Rotary, the past assistant governor of the club,Sir Amobi Adirika said that if everyone will apply the test into their personal life while dealing with others,the society will be a better place for all,free from bitterness, rancour and bloodshed.
In his remarks, former President of Rotary club of Awka GRA and currently Vice President, Rotarian Kenneth Ikechukwu Aniemena, PHF, Ugbo na agaga, maintained that they’ve kept the tradition of selfless service for years visiting the poorest of the poor and helping others to access quality health care. He thanked their members for the spirit of oneness calling on people to partner them for the humanitarian services.
The program featured induction of new members including Rotarian Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, Rotarian Ikechukwudife Akpunonu, Rotarian Raphael Iloabuchi Marine , and Rotarian Aniazoba Aloysius Ugochukwu as well as Rotarian Chukwujekwu Robert Ndaji.
www.odogwublog.com informed that the awards were given to four eminent Nigerians including Chief Chukwudi Maduabum, Ife Ojoto who received Excellent Community Development Service Award ; Dr Jane Nkolika Ezeonu who received Award for outstanding contributions to COVID-19 Pandemic Response; Dr Chizoba F. Umerah who received Excellent award in Teaching Profession and Chief Odoma Gabriel who received Excellent International service award as well as High Chief Sir Izuchukwu Nwabueze PHF who received Uncommon Achiever award in Humanitarian service.
One of the award recipients, Chief Chukwudi Maduabum, Ife Ojoto who received an excellent community development service award disclosed that through his efforts,they contributed massively in infrastructural development in his community, Ojoto and called on the state government to come to their aid in tackling some road construction in the community.
As well , another award recipient, Dr. Jane Ezeonu, a public health physician with Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi and consultant to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
described her honour as Alice in wonderland.
www.odogwublog.com reports that the award which was bestowed on her in recognition of her contributions and efforts in COVID-19 prevention and other infectious diseases in Anambra state and beyond was according to her a huge moral support and source of encouragement to her.
She reassured she would redouble her efforts in carrying out public health activities especially as it concerns volunteer services.
Ezeonu said, “What I have on the award I received is an outstanding performance in COVID-19 response. The president told me that Rotary Club of Awka GRA has fished me out for this recognition because they are pleased with my contributions in the fight against COVID-19; Not just in Anambra state but several other states in Nigeria.”
Although she pointed out that the hazards associated with COVID-19 prevention were not the usual hazards inherent in familiar ailments, she emphasized that the problems posed by the coronavirus infection has to do with droplet transmissions which according to her, made the disease far more dangerous than other infectious diseases.
She further noted that the need for quick intervention against COVID-19 was what motivated her into rendering humanitarian services as a National Consultant on Infection Prevention and Control to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, stressing that research has proven that the most effective way to fight diseases was through infection prevention and control strategies.
Dr. Ezeonu wife of Prof Emeka Ezeonu of Unizik and Imo Resident Electoral Commissioner said she was amongst the 4-member group sent by NCDC to Anambra state in April this year when the state recorded its index case.
She also informed that the Nigerian Medical Association Anambra state branch set up an infection prevention and control taskforce where she was the chairman of the taskforce and training was organised for health workers on disease prevention and control.
She donated a brand wheel chair to Rotary club of Awka GRA to give out for charity even as her guest and President of Medical Women Association, Anambra state chapter, Dr Chioma Ajator promised to donate another wheel chair on behalf of the association to Rotary club of Awka GRA through Dr Ezeonu.
Dr Chizoba Umerah represented by her son described the award as unique and refreshing for her efforts in the teaching profession.
www.odogwublog.com reports that Mrs Chioma Okweluogu, wife of the Pathfinder President of Rotary club of Awka GRA read her husband’s citation, even as the Vice Chancellor Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka , Prof Charles Okechukwu Esimone,FAS had in a good will message urged Rotarian Okweluogu not to serve better from the leadership pedestal Rotary gave him.
More Photos from the installation ceremony
